Effectiveness of Tinospora sinensis (Menispermaceae) extracts in dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice model

Abstract

Tinospora sinensis, a Philippine medicinal plant with reported anti-inflammatory activity, is traditionally used for wounds and scabies. Tinospora extract could exhibit activity against allergen-induced contact dermatitis which is characterized by itching with erythema and vesicles. To explore the effectivity of the Tinospora extracts in contact hypersensitivity, BALB/c mice were sensitized with 0.5% dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and were treated orally with the Tinospora extract for seven days. The ear thickness was then measured at 0h, 24-h, and 48-h after elicitation. On the 24 th hour, mean percentage change in ear thickness of mice treated with 1000 mg/kg BW of ethanolic extract did not differ significantly with the change observed in normal mice (p=0.786). Those given the 500 mg/kg BW had a mean percentage change significantly less than Prednisolone (p<0.001). After 48 h, the mean percentage change of the normal group did not differ with the groups treated with ethanolic extract (p=0.956). In terms of reduction in erythema, the mean diameter of the five groups significantly differ [F 4,32 = 144.179, p<0.001], indicating that the mean erythema diameter of the normal group, and those given with ethanolic extract did not differ (p=0.505). In addition, Tinospora extract reduced inflammatory infiltration and damage to the epidermis based on histopathological examination of the ears. In conclusion, Tinospora ethanolic extract significantly reduced the swelling and erythema produced during 24 h and 48 h post-challenge. Tinospora ethanolic stem extract is an effective anti-inflammatory agent for DNFB-induced ACD mice model.